Equator Coffees & Teas, which chose Mill Valley as the place to launch its first two retail cafes (244 Shoreline Hwy. @ Proof Lab and 2 Miller Ave. in 2013 and 2014, respectively) since the early 1990s, continues its growth next week with the July 20th opening of its cafe at San Francisco's Fort Mason.

Located at Fort Mason's Gatehouse, the entry to the repurposed former military facility, it is Equator's third cafe in San Francisco and sixth overall. Equator will be serving free beverages all day (6am-6pm) on July 20, with a champagne toast at 4pm.

"We can’t wait to share a cup of coffee with the community around us," says Equator co-founder Helen Russell, noting the newest's cafe's proximity to the Bay Trail and thus its likely role as a hub for cyclists, runners and pedestrians enjoying the city’s waterfront. "On behalf of (Equator co-founder) Brooke McDonnell and I, we invite our wonderful Mill Valley customers to join us for the Champagne Toast and celebration from 4-7 pm."

2017 has already been another banner year for Equator, with its Finca Sophia coffee farm in Panama producing coffee that won first place in the “washed Gesha” category at the Best of Panama competition, and with longtime Equator barista Talya Strader placing in the top three at the United States Barista Competition.

As a part of the redesigned Fort Mason entry, Equator and FMCAC will partner in creating a more pedestrian and bicycle-friendly gateway to its campus, Russell says.